Finding part-time work as an international student in the UK can feel confusing, especially with visa limits, right-to-work checks, and employer rules to follow. Many students want to earn money to support themselves, gain experience, and meet new people. However, misunderstanding work restrictions can lead to serious issues such as visa breaches or lost job opportunities.

Event and temporary jobs are often a perfect fit for students. They offer flexible hours, short contracts, and a fun way to gain experience in hospitality, festivals, or promotional work. Agencies like Brightsparks specialise in connecting students with reputable event and hospitality roles that comply fully with UK law. This guide explains how international students can safely and successfully find temp work in the UK, including what visas allow employment, how many hours you can work, and how to stay compliant with legal and licensing requirements.

What Visa Types Allow You to Work as an International Student?

Understanding your visa is the first and most important step before taking any job. Different visa categories come with different permissions, and breaking these rules could affect your studies or even your stay in the UK.

The Student (Tier 4 / Student Route) Visa & Its Work Rights

If you’re studying in the UK on a Student visa (formerly Tier 4), you are generally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. However, this depends on the level of your course and your sponsor institution.

• Degree-level and postgraduate students can usually work 20 hours a week during term time.
  
• Students on below-degree courses are limited to 10 hours per week during term time, as stated by University College London (UCL).
  

You cannot work as a self-employed person, freelancer, or take a permanent full-time position. Temporary event jobs, however, are allowed because they are classed as short-term, flexible roles. Always make sure the role you accept is listed as temporary employment rather than contract or freelance work.

Graduate Route & Post-Study Work Options

After completing your degree, you may be eligible for the Graduate Route visa, which allows you to work full-time for up to two years (three years for doctoral students), according to UKCISA. This visa gives you the freedom to take any job, including event or hospitality roles, without hour limits.

However, the Graduate Route does not lead directly to permanent residence or a Skilled Worker sponsorship. It’s a great way to gain UK work experience and build your CV, but if you plan to stay longer, you may later need to switch to a different visa type.

Other Relevant Visa Routes (Skilled Worker, Sponsorship)

Some international students move into longer-term employment after their studies through the Skilled Worker visa. This route allows full-time employment with a licensed sponsor, but most event or temp roles do not qualify since they are short-term.

 Always be cautious, some roles advertised as “event staff” may unintentionally breach your visa conditions if they’re permanent or self-employed.

How Many Hours Can International Students Work (Event & Temp) Under UK Rules?

The number of hours you can work legally as a student depends on your visa type, course level, and whether you are in term time or on holiday. According to the GOV.UK and UKCISA, most full-time degree students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during vacation periods.

If you are studying a course below degree level, your limit is 10 hours per week in term time, as confirmed by the University of South Wales. These limits apply even if you have multiple part-time jobs, your combined total cannot exceed the maximum allowed hours.

Here’s a quick reference table:

Study Level	Term-Time Work Limit	Vacation Work Limit
Degree / Postgraduate	20 hours per week	Full-time
Below Degree Level	10 hours per week	Full-time
Graduate Route Visa	No limit	No limit

It’s vital to keep accurate records of your shifts and hours worked. Overworking, even unintentionally, could be classed as a visa breach, which may affect your stay or future applications. Always ask your employer or staffing agency to confirm your hours in writing and check that they understand your visa limits.

How to Prove You Are Eligible & Comply with Licensing/Right-to-Work Checks

Before you start any paid event or temporary job in the UK, you must prove that you have the legal right to work. Employers and staffing agencies are legally required to check this before hiring you, and international students must present valid immigration documents. The most common proof includes your passport, Biometric Residence Permit (BRP), or digital immigration status. If your visa is digital, you’ll need to provide a shared code from the GOV.UK online service so the employer can verify your right to work electronically.

You should never take roles that classify you as self-employed or as a “contractor.” Under UK law, most international students must be employed under PAYE (Pay As You Earn), where tax and National Insurance are deducted automatically. Jobs that ask you to “invoice” or “work freelance” are risky and could breach your visa conditions, as confirmed by Cambridge University’s International Students Office.

Choose agencies, such as Brightsparks, that understand international student compliance and handle right-to-work checks correctly. Always insist on a written contract that clearly outlines your role, hours, and pay. Avoid cash-in-hand or unverified jobs, as these can lead to visa violations or exploitative conditions.

Where & How International Students Can Find Legitimate Event / Temp Work

Finding legal and rewarding event or hospitality work as an international student is easier when you know where to look. Start with trusted staffing agencies that openly accept international students and handle visa-compliant roles. Brightsparks, for example, regularly recruits students for reputable UK events and hospitality clients.

You can also explore university job boards, student unions, and campus career fairs, which often post verified temp positions. Local event listings and volunteering opportunities can help you build experience and make connections that lead to paid shifts later.

Before applying, make sure to check:

• The employer or agency is legitimate and registered.
  
• The role clearly states it’s temporary or part-time.
  
• Your visa allows the required work hours.
  
• A contract and PAYE payment structure are provided.
  

Use related search terms like “event temp jobs UK,” “hospitality student jobs UK,” and “temporary staff agency for international students” to find opportunities that match your situation.

What to Expect in Terms, Conditions & Pay for Event / Temp Roles

Most event and temp jobs for students in the UK are paid hourly, with rates typically ranging from £11 to £14 per hour, depending on the role and location. You should also receive holiday pay, which is added to your earnings or paid separately under UK law.

Working conditions vary: shifts may run late, include outdoor work, or require long hours during busy periods. Employers must give you rest breaks. For example, if you work more than six hours, you should get at least a 20-minute break, as advised by Event Temps. All staff must also be provided with a safe workspace and access to basic facilities such as water, rest areas, and toilets.

Always confirm your shift timings, pay rate, and overtime policy before starting. Agencies that operate under PAYE will provide payslips showing your tax and National Insurance deductions. If you’re asked to work cash-in-hand or sign a self-employed form, decline the offer; it’s likely non-compliant with student visa rules.

How to Stay Safe from Scams & Common Pitfalls

Unfortunately, some fake job listings target students unfamiliar with UK work regulations. Be cautious of ads that promise “high pay, no interview” or ask you to pay a deposit or training fee. A legitimate employer or agency will never ask for money up front.

Always research the company’s background and check reviews online. If a job post lacks clear contact details or uses generic emails (like Gmail or Yahoo), treat it as suspicious. Make sure you receive a written contract and official communication before attending any shift.

Avoid jobs that:

• Offer cash-only payment.
  
• Expect you to work without payslips.
  
• Require self-employment status.
  
• Push you to work over your visa hours.

Keep personal records of your shifts, payslips, and contracts. These will help protect you in case of disputes or audits by immigration authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can international students legally work at events in the UK?
Yes, as long as your visa allows part-time work and the role is temporary, you can work at festivals, hospitality events, and promotions through approved agencies.

Can I switch from a temp/event role to a full-time job?
You can take full-time roles only during vacation periods or under a Graduate Route visa. You can’t accept permanent full-time employment under a Student visa.

What happens if I exceed my permitted hours?
Working beyond your visa limit can result in visa cancellation. Always track your hours and inform your agency of your restrictions.

Can I do self-employed or gig roles?
No. International students are not allowed to work freelance or self-employed, even for gig platforms.

Are staff provided with uniforms or training?
Most event agencies provide basic training, dress codes, or uniforms depending on the client’s requirements.

Can I work multiple temp roles simultaneously?
Yes, but your combined weekly hours must still stay within your visa limit (usually 20 hours during term).

Final Thoughts & Next Steps for International Students

Working in the UK as an international student can be a great experience if done the right way. Understanding your visa rights, knowing your limits, and choosing reputable employers are essential steps to staying compliant and safe. Temporary and event jobs offer valuable skills, income, and connections, but only when managed legally.

Agencies like Brightsparks make this process simple and secure, offering roles that respect visa regulations and prioritise fair treatment. If you’re ready to work flexible shifts at exciting UK events, join Brightsparks today or reach out for guidance on student compliance and right-to-work checks.